incessant

Incessant is an adjective meaning continuing without interruption; ceaseless or unending. It describes something that proceeds without pause or respite, often conveying a sense of persistence that can be burdensome. The word comes from Latin incessans, from in- meaning not and cessare meaning to cease, and entered English through Old French.

Usage of incessant is typically neutral or negative in tone. It is commonly applied to sounds, activities, or demands that feel enduring or repetitive, such as incessant rain, incessant noise, or incessant questions. It can, however, be used in a more positive sense to emphasize persistent effort or tireless activity, as in incessant labor or an incessant work ethic. In contrast to synonyms like ceaseless or perpetual, incessant often carries a nuance of relentless repetition or insistence.

The adverb form is incessantly. Related concepts include intermittent or sporadic, which describe interruptions in a sequence rather than an unbroken flow. In discussions, incessant is usually reserved for phenomena that persist in a way that tests patience or endurance.

In summary, incessant denotes ongoing, unbroken duration and is widely used to describe both unwelcome persistence, such as incessant complaints or noise, and commendable persistence, such as incessant dedication to a goal.